Catch-Up

Exploring pathways to sustainable development in the uplands of
Lao PDR.

Activity B1: Economic drivers of agricultural expansion and deforestation

Rationale Objectives Methods Results Partnerships

The prices of agricultural products such as biofuels (oil palm, jatropha), rubber, timber or animal feed (maize, cassava) are rising due to the rarefaction of the natural resources they substitute, such as forest wood, artificial rubber or oil products, and the increasing demand from the Chinese market. Industrial tree plantations for example are promoted by the government. They gradually replace slash-and-burn cultivation in many areas. However, the rapid expansion of tree plantations is associated with considerable economic, ecological and social risks that deserve specific research. To avoid negative environmental and social consequences of the expansion of agricultural land to the detriment of forest cover, it is important to determine the most suitable areas (from both biophysical and socioeconomic point of views) where new commercial crops can improve people livelihoods while protecting their environment. Therefore, government policies on land concession, and more generally on land use planning should rely on sound scientific knowledge, rooted in empirical studies.

To prioritize the issues related to the development of market-oriented crops and tree plantations in Lao PDR uplands based on a network of district pilot sites, comparative analysis with other case studies and literature review,

To understand the local and global market forces of change and their consequences for the development of mountainous areas in northern Lao PDR,

To provide guidance to policy interventions by taking into account the trade-offs between the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental.

1. Literature review

Literature review about the expansion of cash crops, both perennial tree plantations and annual crops, in Lao PDR, in Southeast Asia and at the global level. Rubber tree, maize and jatropha illustrate the rapid changes in land use systems triggered by the boom of these commodities on the global market. They are used as example for other crops that have the same function / position on the international market, e.g. substitute to petroleum products (rubber, biofuels), wood products, livestock feedstuff.

2. Case studies

Extract from the case study sites of the Catch-Up program (Activity A1) the empirical knowledge relevant to the impact of economic drivers of land use change (e.g. the rapid expansion of rubber plantations and maize crop) on landscapes, livelihoods and environmental services. The main findings were incorporated into a comparative analysis of a large range of study sites (from our project and partners).

3. Synthesizing and reporting

The information from different sources were synthesized and reported in policy briefs. The reports and policy briefs were presented at the occasion of national conferences.

Empirical evidences about the impact of market forces on agricultural expansion and forest degradation,

A contribution to the on-going debates about the policies and regulations to mitigate the negative impacts on poverty, land degradation and deforestation,

Publications in scientific journals, and contribution to national and international conferences, capacity building of project staff in policy research.

A partnership was developed with Dr. Jefferson Fox from the East-West Center of Hawaii on the topic of rubber expansion in Montane Mainland South-East Asia.

PUBLICATIONS

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Expansion of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) in Mainland Southeast Asia: What are the prospects for small holders?

Fox J., Castella J.C.

Journal of Peasant Studies, 40(1): 155-170.

2013 - Scientific Articles